EXCITED youngsters had a double reason to celebrate - new play equipment and a visit from their new mayor.

Days after being installed as Redcar and Cleveland’s mayor, Councillor Olwyn Peters dropped in at Overfields Primary School in Ormesby.

She officially unveiled its new-look playground - and discovered markings and play equipment were all the choice of pupils at the Daisy Lane school.

Two years ago, the school council - with pupils ranging in age from six to 10, and including youngsters from the language unit - drew up a list of what the playground needed.

They then raised £3,000 - matched by the school - to help pay for it.

The Key Stage One playground now has new markings, including shop fronts, number squares, a hopscotch grid and games.

In the Key Stage Two area, there is now a new climbing wall and tyres.

Teaching assistant and school council co-ordinator Joanne Desantis praised the pupils’ input.

She said: “They made appointments with the rep, they walked round with the rep and they even bargained with the rep! They also got feedback from other schools like Whale Hill and Teesville about their most popular equipment.

“The children have done really well and they really love their new playground.”